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Scarlets hit back at WRU over handing of Wales wing George North

The Scarlets have defended their handling of George North following criticism from the Welsh Rugby Union.

Last Updated: 09/04/13 5:05pm

Wales wing George North: Centre of row between Scarlets and the WRU

On Sunday morning, the WRU issued a statement covering several areas of the domestic game in the principality.

The most controversial comment was about North, accusing the Scarlets of touting the Wales wing to French clubs last summer without his knowledge.

The WRU also claimed they were prepared to help the west Wales region hold on to North by tying him to a central contract, only to discover the regions had an agreement in place not to field any player who was centrally contracted.

The Scarlets insist they have done all they can to keep North in Wales and issued their response on Sunday night.

Their statement read: "The Scarlets are astonished and disappointed that the governing body of Welsh rugby has chosen to speak about an individual player from within our region publicly in this fashion.

Clarification

"We must therefore clarify, that at no time has the WRU made any proposal to us to help retain any player international or otherwise within our region.

"Any contract discussions involving George North have only taken place within the last two months including the Scarlets offer of a three-year contract extension that was the very best offer that the club could make.

"As is usual business practice, any contractual discussions regarding players take place with their agent or representatives responsible.

"As the Scarlets have publicly stated, it has been our wish to retain George North within our Scarlets squad and the region has put forward a substantial offer to keep him in West Wales - an offer which still stands.

"We also recognise, George is a player of immense talent and has many options available to him in his future playing career."